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The Westfield News Serving Westfield, Southwick, and the surrounding Hilltowns
“The hardest job
kids face today is learning good manners without seeing any.” — FRED ASTAIRE
www.thewestfieldnews.com VOL. 86 NO. 118
THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017
75 cents
Board of health gives a determination on crumb rubber
INNA ANIPKO
WTA’s Outstanding Vocational Technical Student of the year By AMY PORTER Correspondent WESTFIELD – Inna Anipko of Westfield Technical Academy received the school’s Outstanding Vocational Technical Student of the year award from the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators and Massachusetts Vocational Association. The awards were presented at a dinner at Mechanic’s Hall in Worcester this past April. Anipko, a senior in Business Technology, is the number one-ranked student in her class of 100, and will be speaking as the class valedictorian at graduation on June 1. “I didn’t know about it (the nomination). I found out a month ago,” Anipko said. “It was awesome, a wonderful experience. It was interesting to hear all the speakers, and all the other nominees. I was touched to receive such an honor. It was a big deal,” she added. She said 53 other school award winners from throughout the state were at the dinner. In nominating Anipko, Peter Taloumis, career technical education director at the school, referred to her rigorous course of study in advanced placement classes, and her participation in Westfield State University’s dual enrollment program, where she took a 3-credit course in psychology. In addition, she is participating in the school’s co-operating learning program at Aerofastener of Westfield. Anipko is president of the Westfield Chapter National Technical Honor Society and a two year member. She is also president of the Westfield Technical Academy’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Chapter. She competed in FBLA and won first place in Accounting I, Second place in Accounting 2, fourth place in Business Communications, and represented WTA by speaking at the State Leadership Conference. See Anipko, Page 3
By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD—After concerns of crumb rubber were made vocal to the city’s board of health, the board made a determination on future use of the material within the city. The board of health determined that, currently, there will be no actions to prevent crumb rubber from being used in the city, after board members reported during their Wednesday meeting that they reviewed literature and studies on the material. They did however, present a possibility to keep its options open on crumb rubber, including a potential for warning signs at crumb rubber fields. A request at yesterday’s meeting, as well as a previous meeting, was made by Kristen
Mello, Westfield resident and member of Westfield Residents Advocating For Themselves (WRAFT), for the board to consider a moratorium on the use of crumb rubber due to potential health concerns. She also requested several measures related to Roots Athletic Center on Root Road, including a removal of crumb rubber under the synthetic turf fields, information on water testing at the location and heat monitoring of the fields due to synthetic turf field’s propensity to have higher-than-normal temperatures during warmer times. “From the literature that’s out there, there’s no specific scientific studies that prove that there is a health hazard,” Juanita Carnes, chair See Crumb Rubber, Page 3
Photo of the Roots Athletic Center on Root Road
Motorcycle accident sends one to hospital Members of the Westfield YMCA’s Wave Masters who participated in the recent YMCA Nationals, left to right, Swimmers don camouflage caps during Wicked are: Roz Terry, Tom Lane, Carmel Wednesdays for Wicked Warriors at 6:30 a.m. at Steger, Dr. Steven Schonholz, and Maureen Hamel. (Submitted photo) the Westfield YMCA. (Submitted photo)
By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD—A two-vehicle crash yesterday evening resulted in one motorcycle “engulfed in flames” and its operator being transported to a local hospital. Westfield Police reported a two-vehicle crash involving See Mototcycle, Page 8
Swimmers make Waves at YMCA Nationals By LORI SZEPELAK Correspondent WESTFIELD-With the clock ticking, swimmers of the Westfield YMCA’s Wave Masters make the most of every workout and it has paid off with four local residents recently winning awards at the YMCA Nationals. At 6:30 a.m. on May 17, swimmers were eager to jump in the pool and get to their hour-long routine, under the direction of coaches Tom Lane and Steven Schonholz, M.D. The Wave Masters meet for practice on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. and from 7 to 8 a.m. on Saturdays. Saturday sessions include discussions on swimming techniques as well as drills.
“We have beginners up to all levels,” said Schonholz. “Everyone is welcomed and we adjust the practices to everyone’s skill level.” Schonholz was among the YMCA swimmers who participated in the 2017 YMCA Masters National Meet May 4-7 in Sarasota, Fla. The adult event celebrates the value and benefits of swimming that contributes to a healthy lifestyle, as well as provides swimmers of all levels to compete, celebrate achievements, and build lifelong relationships. “I have participated in the Nationals previously and had several top 10 times in the U.S. in the breaststroke events,” said Schonholz, adding that three years ago he participated in See Waves, Page 3
Public forum in advance of Huntington town meeting draws small crowd By AMY PORTER Correspondent HUNTINGTON – The Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee held a public forum Wednesday on the FY18 budget and warrant articles in advance of the Annual Town Meeting scheduled for Monday, June 5 at 7 p.m. Only a dozen residents turned out to hear
A motorcycle is consumed in flames following an accident Wednesday afternoon on Franklin St near the intersection with Madison St. (Photo submitted)
New senior volunteer program provides tax benefit
the presentation by Board chair Ed Renauld, selectman John McVeigh, and Finance Committee chair Darlene McVeigh. Renauld began with an overview of the town’s finances. He said the bulk of the town’s income is raised and appropriated. The
By GREG FITZPATRICK Correspondent SOUTHWICK – The Town of Southwick has officially announced a brand new program for senior citizens. The Senior Citizen Tax Work-Off Program allows qualified Southwick senior citizens, who are taxpayers, to volunteer for a town department. The program was created by Cindy Sullivan, the Southwick Council on Aging Director, and Bob Horacek,
See Town Meeting, Page 8
See Volunteer Program, Page 8
No more drought, but is there still a water restriction?
Westfield Fireworks For Freedom date set
By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD—With drought conditions finally being removed in Massachusetts, water use in the city can return to normal—almost. Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton removed the drought conditions on the Connecticut River Valley—where Westfield is a part of—and elsewhere in the state May 11, ending its roughly two-year status that plagued most of the state. This change means relief for Massachusetts residents and the city, but it doesn’t mean restrictions aren’t still in place. “It’s good news for the whole state in terms of being able to return to more normal operations,” Heather Miller, water systems engineer for Westfield, said.
WESTFIELD – The City of Westfield will be sponsoring a fireworks event on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at the South Middle School fields (30 West Silver Street). Festivities will begin at 6:30 pm with fireworks presented by Atlas Pyrovision of Jaffrey, NH at dusk. Rain date is Sunday, July 2. Due to the success of last year’s event, the location will remain the same. South Middle School provided a convenient and easily accessible location. More details of the event will follow as soon as they are available.
See Drought?, Page 8
Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton